After that final battle, many things changed. The Inquisition needed a new purpose, so Vhera had guided it into relief efforts for victims of the trouble Corypheus and his actions had caused. She had also gone on a few personal quests, including some mess with the Avaar and the previous Inquisitor and finding out what lies beneath the deep roads, but that is another story for another time.

Isa, in the meantime, had sort of drifted. She remained as the Inquisitor's second, but she also had stepped up to help her kin rise up in the world. Iovoren had been shocked, seeing elves reduced to alienage residents, servants, and nomads, and had begged her to try and do something about it, and so she had. At first, it had been part of the relief efforts, but Isa found herself wanting to give the elves a real home where they wouldn't have to be in service to humans or wanderers with no place of their own.

So she asked Vhera to make use of the Arbor wilds.

Though a dangerous place, Iovoren knew it well, and surely he could teach others. It was a slow process, but over the process of roughly two years, they had gotten several Dalish clans and some former alienage residents set up on a sort of colony. It wasn't much, just a start in the temple of Mythal, now empty since the Sentinels had gone, but it was a start. Isa visited as often as she could. She let the keepers and an elder from an alienage form a sort of council with her at its head, and they ran things while she was gone. It wasn't much, just rebuilding projects in the ruins of an empire, but it was a start.

However, other things changed over two years as well. Blackwall had been gone for a while, determined to at least apologize for his mistakes. Varric had gone back to Kirkwall, and Dorian had been all over the place. It seemed everyone had gotten on with their lives. The Inquisition was starting to hit a new age. Though grateful for the Inquisition's service, Ferelden and Orlais were growing wary of the ever-present army the Inquisition had gathered. Isa had been called back to accompany Vhera to the Winter Palace for some peace talks to decide the fate of the Inquisition. Divine Victoria, as Leliana was now called, had kept them at bay as long as she could, but no problem can be ignored forever. Her bloody methods of silence certainly didn't help ease their fears that the Inquisition had grown too powerful.

Isa rode a horse, dressed in her black and silver garments as the Inquisitor's second, since riding Feynthorn would have been too much of a statement at the Winter Palance, given her recent activity with the elves. She sat tall and proud with a silver Inquisition pin holding her hair back. As the second, she likely wouldn't have a big role in the talks, but her presence was still important.

Isa hopped off of her horse, stepping over to help Josephine off of hers. She had heard some of their old friends would be joining them. She hoped that was the case.

Cullen helped Vhera off of her horse, trying his best to hide his smile. The two had grown close over recent years. Isa was expecting an engagement announcement at any time. She was glad her friend had found happiness in a man she knew would never let her come to harm. It put Isa's heart at ease.

Isa was left outside as Vhera entered the Winter Palace. The talks weren't due to begin yet, so she had some free time. She decided to visit with some of their old friends.

Varric had become Viscount of Kirkwall, and he seemed to revel in ignoring the merchant's guild. Iron Bull and his Chargers were still going strong. Sera didn't seem to approve of what Isa was doing with the elves, so they avoided that subject, instead setting up a prank on one of the visiting dignitaries. Cassandra was rebuilding the Seekers of Truth, and Dorian was taking on his father's seat as a Magister in Tevinter.

Isa was stunned when she ran into Blackwall writing a letter behind one of the buildings in the expansive courtyards. "Blackwall?" She hadn't seen him in quite some time. He looked up, his eyes lighting up. He set his writing materials aside. "Isa!" He ran to her, scooping her up in his arms and engulfing her in a crushing hug. His beard tickled her face. She grinned and hugged him tightly. "It's so good to see you, Blackwall!" "Actually," he set her down. "I'm using my real name now. Thom Rainier." Isa smiled warmly. "May I call you Thom?" "Of course."

She hugged him again, resting her head on his chest. He chuckled and held her close, "it's good to see you too, Isa." She stepped back from him, trying not to let emotion overwhelm her. "How have you been? What have you been up to?" He sat back down on the bench, patting the spot beside him. She sat, and he told her of how he had gone to the families of the men whom had been put to death for treason because of him, offering what apologies he could and what aid he could offer. "I got hit more times than I could count, but I think I did the right thing." He certainly seemed to feel better about himself. Isa smiled, taking one of his hands in her own. "You've done well, Thom. I'm very proud of you."

"Isa!" Iovoren rounded the corner. He had changed much as well. Isa had finally convinced him to let his hair grow, though he kept the sides shaved and kept the top braided and tied back. It had grown out to a lovely shade of light brown. He had also grown to show more emotion, and was getting used to the modern world, and though he longed for the glory days of the elven empire, he had fallen in love with the world he had found himself in. "Ah, Blackwall, it is good to see you, falon." "Rainier," Thom corrected him. "It is good to see you too." He stood, exchanging a hearty handshake with his old friend.

"Isa," Iovoren continued. "Madame Vivienne is looking for you. She would like you to join her and the Inquisitor for a day spa." Isa stood, "I had better not keep Madame de Fer waiting. I'll see you two later."

Isa made her way up to where Vivienne and Vhera were waiting for her. "There you are, dear," Vivienne greeted her warmly. "I want to treat you both. You must look your best before the Exalted Council, after all." Isa was happy to oblige.

The rest of the day was filled with relaxation. Isa greatly enjoyed herself, having never had an experience quite like this one before. Afterwards, it was time for the introductions to the talks, so Isa readied herself and headed into the Council chamber with the other members of the Inquisition.

"Remember," Josephine whispered. "Best foot forward."